AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

The underlying degree of immune suppression is an important consideration in the selection of treatment for AIDS-KS. In general, subjects with CD4+ T lymphocytes greater than 500/mm3 require only local therapy unless there is some specific disability caused by the AIDS-KS lesions. Subjects with CD4+ T lymphocytes between 200 and 500/mm3 may respond to recombinant interferon. This therapy is effective in controlling AIDS-KS, can be combined with zidovudine, and has anti-HIV properties. If interferon-alpha with zidovudine is clinically ineffective, systemic chemotherapy may then be required. Subjects with AIDS-KS and CD4+ T lymphocytes less than 200/mm3 should receive PCP prophylaxis, may require systemic chemotherapy, and should be maintained on antiretroviral therapy. Therapy of AIDS-KS is not curative, and a treatment plan of the underlying immune deficiency is essential for planning and implementing rational therapy. AIDS-KS is rarely life threatening but often cosmetically and functionally disabling. Treatment plans remain focused on palliative goals and include reduction of extremity or facial edema, elimination of painful lesions, relief of gastrointestinal disturbances induced by AIDS-KS lesions (including symptoms of outlet obstruction, diarrhea, and rarely blood loss), and reduction of the pulmonary burden of AIDS-KS to improve oxygenation and relieve obstructive pneumonias.